Desk top



P 1935 H. P. NORDMARK 2,013,542

DESK TOP Filed Aug. 4, 1934 3 Sheets-Sheet l \/J\(nessa 3mm Henry 7 Norclmark P 1935. H. P. NORDMARK 2,013,542

DESK TOP Filed Aug. 4, 1954 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 izrz Henry D. A ordmd /i- Sept. 3, 1935. H. P. NORDMARK DESK TOP Filed Aug. 4, 1934 3 SheetsrSheet 3 Henry F. orclmark.

Patented Sept. 3, 1935 DESK TOP Henry P. Nordmark, Grand Rapids, Mich, as-

signor to American Seating Company, Grand Rapids, Mich, a corporation of New Jersey Application August 4, 1934, Serial No. 738,463

20 Claims.

The present invention relates to desk tops and more particularly to desk tops having a portion thereof which is both forwardly and rearwardly slidable as well as upwardly and downwardly tiltable to form an adjustable angular support or easel for books, papers and the like. The instant invention is a structure of the general character shown in United States Letters Patent No. 1,851,906, issued March 29, 1932, to Olive G. Henderson.

The primary objects of the instant invention are to provide a structure of the character above indicated which is particularly adapted for use in the school room; to provide a structure whose use by the school pupil is designed to minimize eye strain; to provide such a structure having unitary means for locking both the slidable and tiltable portion of the desk top in adjusted position; and, to provide such a structure which is not only amply adjustable through less space than is the adjustability of the structure of the above identified patent but which is more economical in manufacture than is the structure of the patent above identified.

An illustrative embodiment of the invention is shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a fragmentary perspective view of the structure showing the desk top in one of its adjusted elevated or tilted positions;

Figure 2 is a reduced end elevational sectional view showing in full lines the desk top in substantially the same relationship to its supporting structure as it is shown in Figure 1 and in dotted lines its relative position with respect to its supporting structure when the top is folded downwardly;

Figure 3 is another reduced end elevational sectional view showing the desk top in a differently adjusted elevated position and also in an adjustably rearwardly slid position;

Figure 4 is likewise a reduced end elevational sectional view showing in full lines the desk top in one adjusted elevated and slid position and in dotted lines the desk top is shown in another adjusted elevated position;

Figure 5 is a fragmentary top plan viewof the structure viewed at an angle from the rearward side of the desk;

Figure 6 is an end elevational sectional view on line 66 of Figure 5 but with the desk top adjustably slid rearwardly from the position shown in Figure 5;

Figure 7 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view on line of Figure 1;

Figure 8 is a perspective View of two non-assembled portions of the clamp used to maintain the desk top in adjusted position;

Figure 9 is a fragmentary view of the clamp portions of Figure 8 in assembled relation;

Figure 10 is a sectional view thereof on line i0l8 of Figure 9;

Figure 11 is a sectional view on line Il|l of Figure 1; and

Figure 12 is a fragmentary sectional View.

Referring now to the drawings in which like parts of the structure shown are designated by the same numerals in the several views, a desk of the school type is here shown as provided with a flat writing surface H) on the right side of the pupil seated forwardly thereof and with a depressed portion on the left side thereof. Seated within and secured to this depressed portion of the desk in any suitable fashion is a supporting platform ll, preferably of stamped sheet metal and here shown as provided with integrally formed oppositely disposed upwardly and inwardly flanged sides l2 whose rearward ends are provided with forwardly projecting fingers or stops l3 which are inwardly spaced from the flanged sides l2 as best shown in Figures 1 and 6 and whose purpose will be hereinafter more fully described.

A supported platform It likewise preferably formed of stamped sheet metal and also here shown as provided with upwardly and inwardly flanged sides i5 is slidably mounted upon the supporting platform It interjacent its flanged sides as best shown in Figure 1. The supported platform It is limited in its rearward sliding movement upon the supporting platform H by the inwardly spaced forwardly extending fingers or stops i 3 which receive the rearward ends of the flanged sides 15 when the supported platform is slid rearwardly as best shown in Figure 82. The forward sliding movement of the supported platform It upon the supporting platform ll is limited by the stops iii secured to theforward ends of the flanged sides It and which engage the forward ends of the flanged sides I5 when the supported platform is slid forwardly. The supported platform M is thus limited in its sliding movement between the forward and rear sides of its supporting platform H.

A desk top ll is hingedly connected adjacent its forward side to the supported platform by hinges l8 secured to the under side of the desk top and to the forward ends of the upwardly flanged sides l5 of the supported platform in any suitable manner and as best shown in Figure 1.

Both upper portions ES, ll of the desk top are preferably of wood.

A block 59 (Figures 1 to 4) hereinafter more particularly described, is slidably mounted within each of the flanged sides [5 of the slidably mounted supported platform and the forward and rearward movement of these blocks are likewise limited by their engagement with the ends of the fingers or stops l3 and the stops it as best shown in Figure 12. A pair of supporting struts 26 are each pivotally connected at one end to the underside of the desk top and at the other end to one of the blocks. It will thus be seen that the desk top may not only be elevated to an angularly adjusted position as indicated in Figures 1 to 3 inclusive to form an easel or book or paper support but may be slid to forwardly or rearwardly adjustable position as indicated in Figure 4.

Means are provided for simultaneously maintaining the desk top in both angularly and slid adjusted positions comprising the blocks 19. Each block has a flat plate 2i whose opposite ends are provided with lugs 22 and a strip of raw hide 23 or the like is secured to the face of each flat plate. A second flat plate 26 provided with notches 25 at its opposite ends, adapted to receive the lugs 22 of the plate 2I,'is secured to the plate 2! as by rivets 26 and a tubular rod 27 at its opposite ends embraces the studs 28 which form the pivotal connection of the desk top supporting struts as with the slidably mounted supported platform.

A springable U-shaped clamp 29 secured to one "of the plates 24 in any suitable manner overhangs the flanged sides l2, 45 of the supporting and supported platforms and a manually operable wing bolt 3% screw threaded therewith whose end engages the, flanged side E2, compresses the plates 2 I, 24, the raw hide strip 23 and the flanged sides l2, '55. Since the block 19 formed of the plates 26, 24 cannot move when the bolt 39 is tightened and since the flanged sides l2, I5 are likewise frictionally engaged, the desk top H is simultaneously maintained in adjusted angularly and slid position.

It will thus be seen that the structure of the instant invention is particularly well adapted for use in the school room, that the desk top is'both angularly and slidably adjustable which minimizes eye strain, and that adjustment is made through less space than is the structure of the patent above identified. Since the fingers I3 limit the rearward movement of the supported platform l4 on its supporting platform H, and although the desk top H may extend in angularly adjusted position beyond the rear side of the desk in instances where the supported platform has been slid rearwardly as far as it will go, depressing of the angularly disposed top will automatically cause the supported platform to move forwardly as soon as the slidable blocks l9 engage the ends of the fingers l3, all as best shown in Figure 12.

Thus the desk top which is hingedly secured to the supported platform will likewise be moved rearwardly as it is depressed and the pupil seated forwardly of the rear side of the desk will not be struck as the desk top is depressed in instances of careless 'manipulation in lowering it.

While but one specific embodiment'of this invention has been herein shown and described, it

will be understood that numerous details of the construction shown may be altered or omitted without departing from the spirit of this invention as defined by the following claims.

I claim:

1. In a structure of the class described, a supporting platform provided with oppositely disposed upwardly and inwardly flanged sides, a supported platform provided with upwardly and inwardly flanged sides slidably mounted upon the supporting platform interjacent its flanged sides, a desk top hingedly connected to the slidably mounted supported platform, a block slidable within each of the flanged sides of the slidably mounted supported platform, and a pair of supporting struts each pivotally connected at one end'to the desk top and at the other end to one of said blocks.

2. In a structure of the class described, a supporting platform provided with oppositely disposed upwardly and inwardly flanged sides, a supported platform provided with upwardly and inwardly flanged sides slidably mounted upon the supporting platform interjacent its flanged sides, means for limiting the slidingmovement of the slidably mounted supported platform between the forward and rearward sides of the supporting platform, a desk top hingedly connected to the slidably mounted supported platform, a block slidable within each of the flanged'sides of the slidably mounted supported platform, and a pair of supporting struts each pivotally connected at one end to the desk top and at the other end to one of said blocks.

3. In a structure of the class described, a supporting platform provided with oppositely disposed upwardlyv and inwardly flanged sides, a supported platform provided with upwardly and inwardly flanged sides slidably mounted upon the supporting platform interjacent its flanged sides, a desk top hingedly connected to'the slidably mounted supported platform adjacent its forward side, a block slidable within each of the flanged sides of the slidably mounted supported platform, and a pair of supporting struts each pivotally connected at one end to the desk top and at the other end to oneof said blocks.

4. In a structure or the class described, a supporting platformlprovided with oppositely disposed upwardly and inwardly flanged sides, a supported platform provided with upwardly and inwardly flanged sides slidably mounted upon the supporting platform "interjacent its flanged sides, means for limiting the sliding movement of the slidably mounted supportedplatform be-'- tween the forward and rearward sides of the supporting platform, a desktop hingedly connected to the slidably mounted supported platform adporting platform provided with oppositely disposed upwardly and inwardly flanged sides, a supportedplatfor'm provided with upwardly and inwardly flangedsides slidably mounted upon the supporting platform interjacent itsflanged sides, a desk top hingedly connected to the slidably mounted supported platform, a-block slidable .within each of the flanged sides of the slidably mounted supported platform,a pair of supporting struts each pivotally connectedat one end to the desk top andat the otherend to oneof said blocks, and means for maintaining the slidably 'mounted supported platform in adjustably s'lid A,

position.

' 6. In a structure of the class described, a supporting platform provided with oppositely disposed upwardly and inwardly flanged sides, a supported platform provided with upwardly and inwardly flanged sides slidably mounted upon the supporting platform interjacent its flanged sides, a desk top hingedly connected to the slidably mounted supported platform, a block slidable within each of the flanged sides of the slidably mounted supported platform, a pair of supporting struts each pivotally connected at one end to the desk top and at the other end to one of said blocks, and means for maintaining the hingedly connected desk top in angularly adjusted position.

7. In a structure of the class described, a supporting platform provided with oppositely disposed upwardly and inwardly flanged sides, a supported platform provided with upwardly and inwardly flanged sides slidably mounted upon the supporting platform interjacent its flanged sides, a desk top hingedly connected to the slidably mounted supported platform, a block slidable within each of the flanged sides of the slidably mounted supported platform, a pair of supporting struts each pivotally connected at one end to the desk top and at the other end to one of said blocks, and unitary means for simultaneously maintaining the slidably mounted supported platform in adjustably slid position and the hingedly connected desk top in angularly adjusted position.

8. In a structure of the class described, a supporting platform provided with oppositely disposed upwardly and inwardly flanged sides, a supported platform provided with upwardly and inwardly flanged sides slidably mounted upon the supporting platform interjacent its flanged sides, means for limiting the sliding movement of the slidably mounted supported platform between the forward and rearward sides of the supporting platform, a desk top hingedly connected to the slidably mounted supporting platform, a block slidable within each of the flanged sides of the slidably mounted supported platform, a pair of supporting struts each pivotally connected at one end to the desk top and at the other end to one of said blocks, and means for maintaining the slid ably mounted supported platform in adjustably slid position.

9. In a structure of the class described, a supporting platform provided with oppositely disposed upwardly and inwardly flanged sides, a supported platform provided with upwardly and inwardly flanged sides slidably mounted upon the supporting platform interjacent its flanged sides, means for limiting the sliding movement of the slidably mounted supported platform between the forward and rearward sides of the supporting platform, a desk top hingedly connected to the slidably mounted supported platform, a block slidable within each of the flanged sides of the slidably mounted supported platform, a pair of supporting struts each pivotally connected at one end to the desk top and at the other end to one of said blocks, and means for maintaining the hingedly connected desk top in angularly adjusted position.

10. In a structure of the class described, a supporting platform provided with oppositely disposed upwardly and inwardly flanged sides, a supported platform provided with upwardly and inwardly flanged sides slidably mounted upon the supporting platform interjacent its flanged sides, means for limiting the sliding movement of the slidably mounted supported platform between the forward and rearward sides of the supporting platform, a desk top hingedly connected to the slidably mounted supported platform, a block slidable within each of the flanged sides of the slidably mounted supported platform, a pair of supporting struts each pivotally connected at one .end to the desk top and at the other end to one of said blocks, and unitary means for simultaneously maintaining the slidably mounted supported platform in adjustably slid position and the hingedly connected desk top in angularly adjusted position.

11. In a structure of the class described, a supporting platform provided with oppositely disposed upwardly and inwardly flanged sides, a supported platform provided with upwardly and inwardly flanged sides slidably mounted upon the supporting platform interjacent its flanged sides, a desk top hingedly connected to the slidably mounted supported platform adjacent its forward side, a block slidable within each of the flanged sides of the slidably mounted supported platform, a pair of supporting struts each pivotally connected at one end to the desk top and at the other end to one of said blocks, and means for maintaining the slidably mounted supported platform in adjustably slid position.

12. In a structure of the class described, a supporting platform provided with oppositely disposed upwardly and inwardly flanged sides, a supported platform provided with upwardly and inwardly flanged sides slidably mounted upon the supporting platform interjacent its flanged sides, a desk top hingedly connected to the slidably mounted supported platform adjacent its forward side, a block slidable within each of the flanged sides of the slidably mounted supported" platform, a pair of supporting struts each pivotally connected at one end to the desk top and at the other end to one of said blocks, and means for maintaining the hingedly connected desk top in angularly adjusted position.

13. In a structure of the class described, a supporting platform provided with oppositely disposed upwardly and inwardly flanged sides, a supported platform provided with upwardly and inwardly flanged sides slidably mounted upon the supporting platform interjacent its flanged sides, a desk top hingedly connected to the slidably mounted supported platform adjacent its forward side, a block slidable within each of the flanged sides of the slidably mounted supported platform, a pair of supporting struts each pivotally connected at one end to the desk top and at the other end to one of said blocks, and unitary means for simultaneously maintaining the slidably mounted supported platform in adjustably slid position and the hingedly connected desk top in angularly adjusted position.

14. In a structure of the class described, a supporting platform provided with oppositely disposed upwardly and inwardly flanged sides, a supported platform provided with upwardly and inwardly flanged sides slidably mounted upon the supporting platform interjacent its flanged sides, means for limiting the sliding movement of the slidably mounted supported platform between the forward and rearward sides of the supporting platform, a desk top hingedly connected to the slidably mounted supported platform adjacent its forward side, a block slidable within each of the flanged sides of the slidably mounted supported platform, a pair of supporting struts each pivotally connected at one end to the desk top and at the other end to one of said blocks,

and means for maintaining the slidably mounted supported platform-in adjustably slid position.

15. In a structure of. the class described, a supporting platform provided with oppositely disposed upwardly and inwardly flanged sides, a supported platform provided with upwardly and inwardlyiflanged sides slidably mounted upon the supporting platform interjacent its flanged sides, means forlimiting the sliding movement of the slidably mounted supported platform between the forward and rearward sides supporting platform, a desk top hingedly connected to the slidably mountedsupported platform adjacent its forward side, a block slidable within each of the flanged sides of the slidably mounted supported platform; apair of supporting struts each pivotally connected at one end to the desk top and at the other end to one of said blocks, and means for maintaining the hingedly connected desk top in angularly adjusted position.

16. In a structure of the class described, a supporting platform provided with oppositely disposed upwardly and inwardly flanged sides, a supported platform provided with upwardly and inwardly flanged sides slidably mounted upon the supporting platform interjacent its flanged sides, means for limiting the sliding movement of the slidably mounted supported platform between the forward and rearward sides of the supporting platform, a desk top hingedly connected to the slidably mounted supported platform adjacent its forward side, a block slidable within each of the flanged sides of the slidably mounted supported platform, a pair of supporting struts each pivotally connected at one end to the desk top and at the other end to one of said blocks, and unitary means for simultaneously maintaining the slidably mounted supported platform in adjustably slid position and the hingedly connected desk top in angularly adjusted position.

17,. In a structure of the class described, a supporting platform provided with oppositely disposed upwardly and inwardly flanged sides, a supported platform provided with upwardly and inwardly flanged sides slidably mounted upon the supporting platform interjacent its flanged sides, a desk top hingedly connected to the slidably mounted supported platform, a block slidable within each of the flanged sides of the slidably mounted supported platform, a pair of supporting struts each pivotallyconneoted at one end to the desk top and at the other end to one of said blocks, and unitary means for simultaneously maintaining the slidably mounted supported platform in adjustably slid position and the hingedly connected desk top in angularly adjusted position, comprising a clamp frictionally engaging a flanged side of the supporting platform, the flanged side of the supported platform adjacent thereto and the block slidable therein.

' 18. In a structure of the class described, a supporting platform provided with oppositely disposed upwardly and inwardly flanged sides, a supported platform provided with upwardly and inwardly flanged sides slidably mounted upon the supporting platform interjacent its flanged sides, said slidably mounted supported platform being of lesser length than the length of its supporting platform, means for limiting the sliding movement of the slidably mounted supported platform between the forward and rearward sides of the supporting platform, a desk top hingedly connected to the slidably mounted supported platform, a block slidable within each of the flanged sides of the slidably mounted supported platform, and a pair of supporting struts each pivotally connected at one end to the desk top and at the other end to one of said blocks.

19. In a structure of the class described, a supporting platform, a supported platform slidably mounted relative thereto within the limits of the forward and rearward sides of the supporting platform, a desk top hingedly connected to the supported platform, a block reciprocably carried by the supported platform, a supporting strut pivotally connected at one end to the desk top and at the other end to the block whereby the desk top may be slid with the supported platform relative to the supporting platform and may be tilted at an angle relatively thereto.

20. In a structure of the class described, a supporting platform, a supported platform slidably mounted relative thereto, means for limiting the sliding movement of the supported platform between the forward and rearward sides of the supporting platform comprising a pair of stops adjacent the forward and rearward sides of the supporting platform, a desk top hingedly connected to the supported platform, a block reciprocably carried by the supported platform between said stops, a supporting strut pivotally connected at one end to the desk top and at the other end to the block whereby the desk top may be slid with the supported platform relative to the supporting platform and may be tilted at an angle relatively thereto, and unitary means for simultaneously maintaining the slidably mounted supported platform in adjustably slid position and the hingedly connected desk top in angularly adjusted position.

HENRY P. NORDMARK. 

